The Detroit Tigers have made an unexpected move regarding a right-hander who was a key factor in the team’s 2025 postseason run.
The Tigers announced on Wednesday, March 4, that Keider Montero has been sent to Triple-A. The 25-year-old has been a regular in the rotation and in the bullpen for each of the past two seasons. Montero delivered 5.1 scoreless innings in the American League Divisional Series against the Seattle Mariners. He earned a save in Detroit’s 3-2 extra-inning victory in Game 1.
Montero scuffled in his first Spring Training appearance, but bounced back with three scoreless frames in his most recent outing. He was vying for a role as a swingman out of the bullpen. Detroit lost right-hander Reese Olson to shoulder surgery, but filled his rotation spot and then some with the additions of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander.
Detroit Tigers Option Keider Montero to Triple-A
Montero was signed as an international free agent in 2016. He worked his way through Detroit’s minor league system, finally reaching the big leagues in 2024. Montero struggled to a 4.76 ERA in his first taste of the majors. He made 19 appearances with the Tigers, comprising 16 games as a starter and three as a reliever.
While the regular season numbers were uninspiring, Montero came through with a pair of important playoff outings in his debut season. He tossed two scoreless innings with three strikeouts in Game 1 of the American League Divisional Series against the Cleveland Guardians. Montero then functioned as an opener in Game 3, sitting down Steven Kwan, Kyle Manzardo, and Jose Ramirez in succession. The perfect inning spurred a shutout victory for Detroit.
Montero was solid in a dozen starts this past year, delivering a 3.72 ERA across 58 innings. He was less effective in eight relief appearances (5.51 ERA). The righty was once again a crucial factor in the postseason. A Zack McKinstry single brought in Spencer Torkelson to give Detroit the lead in the top of the 11th inning of Game 1 against the Mariners. Montero slammed the door in the bottom of the frame, navigating through Randy Arozarena, Cal Raleigh, and Josh Naylor. A Julio Rodriguez single was the only blemish.
Tigers’ Decision on Montero Comes Down to Role
Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic caught up with manager A.J. Hinch for more information about the move to demote Montero. The skipper shed light on the situation, pointing to the club’s desired role for the right-hander. “We’ve got to protect our rotation, and so for him, defining the role where we felt like he can help us the most was going to be, at some point, in our rotation.” Hinch added that keeping Montero stretched would allow him to serve as a sixth starter or as an injury replacement.
With Olson out, plus Jackson Jobe and Troy Melton dealing with injuries, the Tigers are somewhat thin on rotation depth. The core group of Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Valdez, and Verlander is rock solid, but there isn’t much beyond them. If a need were to arise, the opportunity would likely fall to Montero, Ty Madden, or Sawyer Gipson-Long.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Tigers Demote Key Playoff Contributor In Surprising Move appeared first on Heavy Sports.